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She is also taking advice from the city council about whether action should be taken to trace the animal.

Coun Aldred said: “It’s not good to know that there is something out there that can do this kind of thing.

The attack left the man with deep gashes on his arm and hand

“There are a lot of bungalows in this area and a lot of elderly people. That’s why I’m saying to people they should keep their windows shut.

“People are worried and saying, ‘What would have happened if it had been a child?’.

“There’s no doubt it came through his window into his bedroom and the injuries are awful."

People have suggested on social media that the creature could be a dog, a panther or even a raccoon.

The photographs were taken before the man was treated in hospital

However, it is believed the animal was probably a feline which is not used to humans. The elderly man has cats of his own, and it is possible the creature which entered the man's home was looking for a mate.

The man's family contacted Leicestershire Police about the incident because they feared there could be a dangerous animal on the loose.

Coun Aldred said: “We just don’t know what it was, although the police are saying they think it was probably a feral cat.

Councillor Teresa Aldred (Image: Chris Gordon)

“This is an elderly man and I know he has a good family around him who will do everything to take care of him.

“He’s also receiving a lot of support from the community.”

Sergeant Rob Merrall, of the Humberstone area’s beat team, confirmed the attack was thought to have been carried out by a feral cat.

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